Pedometers, also called step counters, clip to a belt or waistband and count the steps the wearer takes during the day. They are available in the $5 to $60 range with simple, reliable models available for about $20. So what can a pedometer do for you?
Researchers, with a grant from the National Institute on Aging, put the pedometer to the test. Dr. Dena Bravata of Stanford University was the co-author of the study and the findings were published in the November 21 st, 2007, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Bravata and her colleagues analyzed 20 studies from the United States and Canada and half a dozen from Japan, Europe and Australia. The average age of participants was 49, and 85 percent were female because some studies targeted women. The total number of volunteers overall was more than 2,700.
Overall, the pedometer stood up to multiple research studies, helping people walk an additional mile each day if they logged their steps and kept track from day to day. On average, the volunteers lost a few pounds and their blood pressure dropped enough to lower their risk for stroke and heart disease.
“Every night, you write down how many steps you walked that day,” said Bravata. “By flipping back through your diary, you’re able to see patterns: ’On the two days a week I took the stairs, I increased my steps.”’
The key seems to be keeping a diary of your pedometer readings and setting a daily goal to stay in step with. It’s inexpensive enough – it’s easy enough – why not give it a try? And while you’re doing more walking, don’t forget your favorite Wholefood Farmacy foods which are the perfect snack while you’re on the go!
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